Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

NBA Championship Odds: OKC Thunder, Boston Celtics and Cavaliers Lead the Race After Los Angeles Lakers Crash Out

Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The NBA’s first round of playoffs is all set to conclude max within the next week. Teams like Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, OKC Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves have already qualified into the next round while other teams have closer series which will decide their fate of the season.

With the swings in every match, the NBA Championship Odds have also seen a change and the latest have occurred after one of the favorite sides, Los Angeles Lakers, crashed out of the first round. Though the outcome of many analysts was the same, but the media hype was different, the Lakers were one of the top teams to win it all. However, with them gone, let’s take a look at the updated NBA Championship Odds.

Also Read: Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 6– 05/01/2025

OKC Thunder: +160

OKC Thunder is the clear favorite to win the NBA Championship this year according to BetMGM. The Thunder were the first to qualify into the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies by 4-0. Almost all the four games were heavily one-sided, which tells us why the OKC Thunder stands at the top of the NBA Championship Odds.

Boston Celtics: +200

The Boston Celtics stand the second-best chance to win their second title in two seasons. Though, the going was not easy for the Celtics given the physical challenge Orlando Magic held against them. Boston qualified for the Eastern Conference semifinals by a 4-1 first round win. Boston Celtics are also at the second position for their post regular season reputation.

Cleveland Cavaliers: +500

Cleveland Cavaliers were also as clean as OKC Thunder in their first round of the NBA Playoffs. Their 4-0 sweep against the Miami Heat has taken them to the third spot in the list of NBA Championship Odds. The Cavaliers are one of the most balanced sides with no big injury setbacks, deep bench, fierce starters. The current side has the potential to finally break the championship drought.

Golden State Warriors: +1800

Now, the difference between the top three and next three in terms of odds is quite big. GSW are stacked at +1800 to win the NBA championship this season. They overtook the Los Angeles Lakers’ previous position in the list, who were knocked out by the Timberwolves. The Warriors are one of the top favorites because of their playoffs history and the presence of veterans like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

Minnesota Timberwolves: +2000

Timberwolves resulted in one of the biggest upsets of this post regular season phase by knocking out Lakers. Anthony Edwards led his young side to overcome legend LeBron James and Luka Doncic. They won the series by 4-1 on Wednesday. Minnesota Timberwolves unlike an aged team has the legs and bench to go deep into the championship race.

New York Knicks: +4000

The New York Knicks in terms of NBA Championship Odds are placed at the 6th spot with +4000 to their name. The Knicks haven’t had good first round games against the Detroit Pistons and are currently entering game 6 with a narrow lead of 3-2. At this point, it is 50-50 if the Knicks will even get out of the first round.

Denver Nuggets: +4000

The stocks of the Nuggets have surged in the NBA Championship Odds after a massive set of wins in game 4 and game 5. The Clippers fell behind despite a stronger start to the series. Nikola Jokic has also continued his fine form in the first round, making a brighter case for his MVP award. But seldom does a one-man team make it at the pinnacle of the NBA.

LA Clippers: +4000

The LA Clippers were in a healthy position a week back and their odds were in a stronger position of a championship run. However, that has changed over a week’s time. Kawhi Leonard and Harden’s fairytale story may come to an end with the Denver Nuggets catching fire late in the series.

Teams	Odds
OKC Thunder	+160
Boston Celtics	+200
Cleveland Cavaliers	+500
Golden State Warriors	+1800
Minnesota Timberwolves	+2000
New York Knicks	+4000
Denver Nuggets	+4000
LA Clippers	+4000